Young people are often judged by where they come from. Expectations can be shaped by postcode, family circumstances or assumptions about opportunity. Over time, this can affect how they see themselves and what they believe is possible.
‘Possible Paths’ exists to challenge that.
The project shares real career stories from people who grew up in the same communities as the young people taking part. These are not polished success stories or linear journeys, but they show people who have found fulfilment in work by following their interests. They show the diversity of working lives, including changes in direction, setbacks, part-time work and unexpected opportunities.
Through a collaborative process, young people research, interview and photograph local role models. They decide whose stories are told and how they are presented, creating portraits, audio content and visual timelines for a public exhibition.
Working alongside a professional photographer with a background in photojournalism, participants develop enquiry, communication and creative skills in a real-world context. Importantly, they contribute to something visible and meaningful for and within their own community.
The exhibitions bring these stories into shared spaces. By offering a broader, more honest picture of work and career pathways, they open up conversations across generations, giving people a reason to reflect, share and recognise the value of their own experiences. For the community, the exhibitions foster a sense of pride and connection locally. In addition, for the young people involved, it creates a sense of optimism, ownership and achievement.
Beyond the exhibitions: The Platform
Possible Paths is developing a digital platform to extend these stories beyond physical exhibitions.
Visitors will be able to hear directly from role models alongside portraits and visual timelines, bringing a level of authenticity that written profiles often miss.
The platform is designed for people at points of change, particularly those early in their careers. It is being developed in consultation with young people, careers advisors and employability professionals, to support self and career-development decisions in practice.
Users will be able to explore stories based on what matters to them, whether that’s interests, ways of working or life priorities, helping them find people they recognise themselves in, to inspire and encourage them on their own path.
Seeing someone like you build a path makes it easier to believe you can too.